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DON'T WAIT, VACCINATE!

Vaccinating your pet and keeping them up to date is critical to keeping them healthy. Back when our parents were young, vaccinating pets was not that common or necessary, but today due to the huge pet population, it is so important to pet health. Many owners are under the impression that if they do not take their pets into public, vaccines are not needed, but that cannot be further from the truth. Even in your pet's own backyard they can easily be exposed to contagious diseases and viruses when strays wander the alley and sniff noses through a crack in the fence. Once infected, these illnesses are often difficult to treat and some pets even end up surrendered at Midland Animal Shelter when their owners can't afford costly treatments. Thankfully, the risk contracting these expensive and many times deadly diseases can be greatly minimized or completely eliminated through properly vaccinating your pets. Think of vaccinating your pets as an investment towards their health.

What to Vaccinate for: Dogs & Puppies

PARVO - The Canine Parvovirus (CPV) infection is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs. The virus manifests itself in two different forms. The more common form is the intestinal form, which is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lack of appetite (anorexia). The less common form is the cardiac form, which attacks the heart muscles of very young puppies, often leading to death. The majority of cases are seen in puppies that are between six weeks and six months old. The incidence of canine parvovirus infections has been reduced radically by early vaccination in young puppies.DISTEMPER - Canine distemper is a contagious and serious viral illness with no known cure. The disease affects dogs, and certain species of wildlife, such as raccoons, wolves, foxes, and skunks. The common house pet, the ferret, is also a carrier of this virus. Canine distemper belongs to the Morbillivirus class of viruses, and is a relative of the measles virus, which affects humans, the Rinderpest virus that affects cattle, and the Phocine virus that causes seal distemper. All are members of the Paramyxoviridae family. Young, unvaccinated puppies and non-immunized older dogs tend to be more susceptible to the disease.BORDETELLA - Kennel cough, the common name given to infectious canine tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease among dogs. As the name suggests, it is typified by inflammation of the trachea and bronchi. This disease is found throughout the world and is known to infect a high percentage of dogs at least once during their lifetime. It is also sometimes referred to as bordetellosis. Young puppies often suffer the most severe complications that can result from this disease since they have immature immune systems. Also at increased risk are older dogs, who may have decreased immune capabilities, pregnant bitches, who also have lowered immunity, and dogs with preexisting respiratory diseases.RABIES - Rabies is a severe, and often fatal, viral polioencephalitis that specifically affects the gray matter of the dog's brain and its central nervous system (CNS). The primary way the rabies virus is transmitted to dogs in the United States is through a bite from a disease carrier: foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats. Infectious virus particles are retained in a rabid animal's salivary glands to better disseminate the virus through their saliva.

What to Vaccinate for: Cats & Kittens

FELINE PANEUKOPENIA (FPV)- Also known as Feline Distemper is a highly contagious and life-threatening viral disease in the cat population. This virus affects the rapidly dividing blood cells in the body, primarily the cells in the intestinal tract, bone marrow, and in the stem cells of the developing fetus. Because the blood cells are under attack, this virus can lead to an anemic condition, and it can open the body to infections from other illnesses – viral or bacterial.FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS (FeLV) - Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a disease that impairs the cat's immune system and causes certain types of cancer. This virus infection is responsible for a majority of deaths in household cats, affecting all breeds. Males are more likely to contract the infection than females, and it is usually seen between the ages of one to six years old.FELINE HERPESVIRUS (FHV-1) - Feline Upper Respiratory Infection of the nose and throat in cats, caused by, and also know as Feline Herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1). Cats of all ages are susceptible, but kittens are at a higher risk and may be infected at about five weeks of age. Pregnant cats or those suffering from a lowered immunity due to a pre-existing disease are also at higher risk.FELINE CALCIVIRUS (FCV) - Feline Calicivirus infection is a common respiratory disease in cats. The virus attacks the respiratory tract -- lungs and nasal passages -- the mouth, with ulceration of the tongue, the intestines, and the musculoskeletal system. It is highly communicable in unvaccinated cats, and is commonly seen in multicat facilities, shelters, poorly ventilated households, and breeding catteries. RABIES- Rabies is a viral disease that specifically affects a cat's central nervous system (CNS). The primary way the rabies virus is transmitted to cats in the United States is through a bite from a disease carrier: foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats. Infectious virus particles are retained in a rabid animal's salivary glands to better disseminate the virus through their saliva.

Vaccines: What to Expect

It is common for some pets to experience the following side effects after receiving a vaccine. If these last for more than 1-2 days, or cause your pet significant discomfort, it is important for you to contact your veterinarian:

Discomfort & local swelling at the vaccination site

Mild fever

Decreased appetite & activity

Serious, less common side effects, may occur within minutes to hours after vaccination. These reactions can be life-threatening & are medical emergencies. Call your veterinarian immediately if any of these signs develop:

Persistent vomiting or diarrhea

Itchy skin that may seem bumpy ("hives")

Swelling of muzzle & around face, neck, or eyes

Severe coughing or difficulty breathing

Reference - Vaccinations: What to expect after your pet's vaccination. Retrieved April 5, 2016, from https://www.avma.org